Let Cityscape be your party planner. Here are our favourite events spaces in all of Ōtautahi.

DEDICATED VENUES

Pegasus Bay Winery’s restaurant and gardens are open for private events. The setting is bound to wow your guests, and you know the tipple will be delicious. With an entire floor dedicated to function and conference spaces, the seriously swanky Rydges Latimer can host up to 500 guests. This glam inner-city hotspot is the place for lavish weddings and sophisticated soirées, with expert event planners on standby to handle all the logistics.

A unique space in the heart of Christchurch, The Tack Rooms host long lunches, dinners and events. The buildings that were once army barracks are now sophisticated boutique accommodation, perfect for an al fresco dining experience for your guests.

Mingle in the chic space at Riverside Kitchen in Riverside Market, which is available for private functions as well as being a cooking school. Whether it’s a private dining experience, a team-building chef’s challenge or a cooking demonstration followed by a four-course feast, it’s sure to be spectacular.

The Welder’s eclectic events space is a fabulous canvas for creating a memorable dinner, gig, or art exhibition. Give your event photos a fab backdrop of azaleas and rhododendrons at Ilam Homestead, where a choice of three caterers makes things easy. The experienced team love taking care of every event, from weddings to corporate events to birthdays.

Brimming with rich historical references and classic elegance, an event hosted at Mona Vale Homestead & Gardens is always an affair to remember. Imagine Champagne on the patio while your guests play quoits and giant Jenga on the lawn. Majestic.

Christchurch’s premier boutique hotel The George has several sophisticated venues to cover each and every occasion across the board. Among them are the conservatory at 50 Bistro, with luscious food by Executive Chef Chanaka Jayabahu, and elegant private dining and events in Pescatore.

The Old Vicarage, nestled on the fringe of Halswell Domain, is a beautiful venue steeped in history. Settle in with a delicious meal in the Library or the Front Room, or swan about in the Bar/Dining Room.

If you’re after some genuine hipster cool for your event, what better than a working craft brewery? Three Boys Brewery is ideal for parties, exhibitions, shows and one-off events. You’re welcome to organise an outside caterer, or bring your own kai.

LAVISH AFFAIRS

Indulge in the finest local produce at the accolade-strewn Twenty Seven Steps, where you and your guests can linger over bistro luxe sophistication overlooking historic New Regent Street.

A dedicated functions coordinator will take care of everything at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar, either for a delicious dinner or for drinks and nibbles in the bar area.
The jewel in the town of Addington, Town Tonic is a popular venue for functions due to its glass-fronted contemporary vibe, and stunning open kitchens that pump out incredible food.

INTIMATE SPACES

Try the refined old-skool charms of The Library at No.4 Bar & Restaurant, a wood-panelled wonderland that rocks a hunter’s lodge/den atmosphere and features its own bar complete with marlin head trophy.

For a full-throttled swank-fest, Hugh’s Whisky Library at Bloody Mary’s, with its buttery Chesterfield couches and high-back chairs, is a cavern of cool that’s the place to be.

The Residence at The George teams 1950s charm with elegant, modern conveniences in an exclusive country lodge setting overlooking The George’s gardens.

For a private dining experience guaranteed to have your guests talking for months, Chillingworth Road’s G.H. Mumm Room celebrates all things lavish – exquisite chandeliers, France’s finest flutes and a private chef (should the occasion call for it) are all de rigueur.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Step outside the usual parameters by staging your event in a gin distillery! The Spirits Workshop Distillery, home of Curiosity Gin, only has room for 10 but those lucky guests will get to take part in gin and whisky tastings and get a tour of the distillery as well.

Your guests will love hobnobbing in Untouched World Kitchen, with its cosy industrial décor, native plant garden and food to die for. With a slice of Tokyo chic and some smooth jazz to set the mood, The Dish in Montreal Street makes a sophisticated venue for a family or work event.

Kickass caterers

You’ll find some of the city’s finest party starters at taste@twenty, from finger food to more substantial eats. Victoria Foods caters for every occasion, from breakfast meetings to evening banquets. Check out the antipasto platters – they’re unmissable.

For a huge selection, head over to Caterway, where you can order from a huge range of local caterers online. It’s super easy, and covers every cuisine.

Grater Goods will set you up with a plant-based grazing extravaganza, complete with vegan charcuterie board and some of the tastiest cheese, spreads and relishes on offer. If you need a hand with the drinks, head to Vino Fino for wines and free glass hire.